WILLIAM A. RICKETTS

William A. Ricketts, 83, of Annadale, Va., passed away Saturday, Jan. 30, 1999, at his home.

He was born May 24, 1915, in New Madrid, Mo., son of the late John T. and Nelle Blair Ricketts.

He was a graduate of Fayette Central College in Fayette, Mo., in 1936. He married the former Estelle Bess Nov. 25, 1938, at Cape Girardeau.

He worked for the Department of Agriculture with the Rural Electrification Administration for 34 years, retiring as head of the Western United States and Pacific Region.

He was a member of Annandale United Methodist Church.

Survivors include his wife, Estelle Ricketts of Annandale; three sons, John W. Ricketts of Montreal, Quebec, Robert L. Ricketts of Saratoga, N.Y.; and Thomas A. Ricketts of Portland, Ore.; two daughters, Jeanne A. Ayer of Greensboro, N.C., and Mary Zargan of Ft. Leonard Wood, Mo.; and 14 grandchildren.

Two brothers and two sisters preceded him in death.

Funeral services are today at 1 p.m. at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Chapel with Dr. Clayton Smith officiating. Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery.

Visitation is today at the funeral home from noon until time of service.